County, state offices find new home

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

— A good crowd braved a rainy Wednesday afternoon last week to attend the open house of the Benton County Assessor and Collector and State Revenue offices in their new location at 901 First Avenue S.W. in Gravette.

No formal ribbon cutting was held, but those attending enjoyed hot cider and cookies and toured the facility that provides handicapaccess parking and more customer friendly features, according to county offi cials.

Among those attending were County Judge Bob Clinard, County Assessor Bear Chaney, County Collector Gloria Peterson and Justice of Peace Steve Curry. Attending at the adjacent State Revenue Office was district manager, Loretta Turner, of Fayetteville. Gravette Mayor Byron Warren and Gravette Police Chief Andrew Bower were also in attendance, as were James Ennis and AaronEnnis, owners of the new mini strip mall in which the offices are located.

Patricia Sevak, who staffs the satellite assessor’s office, and Stephanie Boling, collector’s offi ce staffer, as well as Gloria Salkill and Mary Poe, who staff the revenue office, were all complimentary and proud of the new facilities.

The 2,170 square foot space is efficiently laid out, with lower counters, public rest room, abreak room, as well as storage and other space necessary for the joint, yet partially visually separated, county and state offi ces. The two offices have occupied cooperative space onMain Street for many years.

“I think it was a good move for our offi ces and for the taxpayers,” said John Sudduth, general services administrator for the county.

The same staff will be serving the public in the new location.

“It worked out real well for us,” Sudduth added.

News, Pages 1 on 11/06/2013